Unique Partnership

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l

The partnership between those who study Torah and those who support them has its roots in this week's Torah portion. On his deathbed the Patriarch Yaakov blessed his son Zevulun that his tribe will be prosperous sea-faring merchants. Their wealth would, however, be shared with the Tribe of Yissachar who would dedicate themselves to the study of Torah and serving the entire nation as halachic experts.

This unique symbiotic relationship between scholar and supporter has sustained the Jewish People throughout history, whether in their own land or in exile. It is a shame that there are Jews in Israel who fail to appreciate what the Yeshivot and Kollelim are doing for the country by earning Divine protection for it. They begrudge the Torah institutions the support they receive from the government in the form of deferment from military service.

This is a tragic error because only when all Jews have a share in Torah study – as scholars or supporters – can we be worthy of securing Israel forever.

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